Gauge blocks are a system for producing precision lengths.

The individual gauge block is a metal or

ceramic block that has been precision ground and lapped to a specific thickness. Gauge blocks come in
sets of blocks with a range of standard lengths. In use, the blocks are stacked to make up a desired
length.

An important feature of gauge blocks is that they can be joined together with very little dimensional
uncertainty. The blocks are joined by a sliding process called wringing, which causes their ultra-flat
surfaces to cling together. A small number of gauge blocks can be used to create accurate lengths within
a wide range. By using 3 blocks at a time taken from a set of 30 blocks, one may create any of the 1000
lengths from 3.000 to 3.999 mm in 0.001 mm steps (or .3000 to .3999 inches in 0.0001 inch steps).
Gauge blocks were invented in 1896 by Swedish machinist Carl Edvard Johansson.[1] They are used as a
reference for the calibration of measuring equipment used in machine shops, such as micrometers, sine
bars, calipers, and dial indicators (when used in an inspection role). Gauge blocks are the main means of
length standardization used by industry.[1

What are the instruments used to measure length?

Length, or the distance between two lengths: Tools used to measure length include a ruler, a Vernier
caliper, and a micrometer screw gauge. Vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauges are more precise
and can be used to measure the diameter of objects like pipe and wire.

How is length measured?

The standard unit of length based on the metric system is a meter (m). According to the length that
needs to be measured, we can convert a meter into various units like millimeters (mm), centimeter (cm),
and kilometer (km).

Analog Measuring Tools

1. Angle Locator

General Tools 822 Digital Angle Finder Rule

Also known as an angle finder, each of these tools features a magnetic base that allows it to attach to
metal measuring squares. Occasionally, you’ll also find models that include self-threading screws for use
with nonmetallic measuring squares.

Allowing for easy measurements at a glance of angles from 0° to 90°, some angle locators also come
with conversion guides that make them useful for identifying roof pitches, stair slopes, or drainage
angles. While there are plenty of digital options for measuring angles, sometimes the assurance of an
inexpensive all-weather tool wins out over pricier and more fickle technologies.

2.Bubble Inclinometer

Prexiso Electronic Bubble Inclinometer

Designed specifically for measuring range of motion at a joint, the bubble inclinometer can also be used
to measure the steepness of a grade. To identify the range of motion of a joint to be measured, simply
place the inclinometer directly next to it, turn the dial until the scale reads 0, take the joint through its
range, and then read the range traveled directly from the inclinometer.

The bubble inclinometer is often used by sports therapists to test for a healthy range of motion at the
body’s crucial junctures. Over the course of treatment, this tool allows them to keep an objective record
of the recovery process in cases of joint injuries.

3.Calipers

Anytime Tools Dial Caliper

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Available in analog or digital measuring versions, calipers are an indispensable tool for measuring the
distance between two opposite sides of an object. By adjusting the tips of the calipers to fit across the
object to be measured, then removing the calipers, the total distance can be measured via an integrated
ruler.

Utilized in a wide variety of fields, calipers can be found in the offices of mechanical engineers,
scientists, and doctors, as well as in the field with metalworkers, woodworkers, and forestry
researchers.

4.Compass

Compass

One of history’s most revered inventions, the compass was integral in kicking off the age of exploration
in seafaring travel. Used for both navigation and establishing orientation, it relies on the natural
magnetic pull of the Earth to establish a relative direction for the user.

Known as one of the “Four Great Inventions” of China (alongside gunpowder, papermaking, and
printing), the compass was originally used as a tool for divination. Today, it’s still widely used by outdoor
activity enthusiasts, military operations, and sailors.

5.Level

Qooltek Multipurpose Laser Level

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Used to establish “true horizontal”, a level is an optical instrument that makes use of air bubbles in a
liquid medium to display its results. Especially useful on construction jobs, it is also a standard inclusion
in woodworking and metalworking shops.

6.Pressure Gauge

Measureman 2-1:2 Dial Size, Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge

An exceptionally diverse field of measurement tools, pressure gauges are used to quantify everything
from altitude to air pressure to depth to blood pressure. Hydrostatic and aneroid gauges are the most
common styles of an analog pressure gauge; the former has a delayed response but is great for
sustained pressure, while the latter responds quickly but is less accurate overall.

7.Protractor

Sparco Plastic Protractor

A transparent plastic or glass half-circle, the protractor measures angles and is usually marked with
degrees. Occasionally, you’ll find more mathematically oriented protractors that measure in radians,
instead. They are a staple of the mechanical engineering profession but are also commonly found
employed in high school geometry classes.

Ruler

Mr. Pen Steel Rulers

Sometimes known as a rule, line gauge, or straightedge, rulers are used to measure distances and/or
draw straight lines. Professionally, they are mostly found in engineering and construction jobs, where
they are used to ensure accurate measurements on flat surfaces. A popular tool to have around the
house, rulers are perhaps the most common measuring tool in use today.

9.Measuring Squares
Johnson Level & Tool CS10 Steel Carpenter Square

Also commonly referred to as a carpenter’s square, at their most basic these tools resemble two rulers
joined at a right angle. Available in a variety of specialized forms, you may also find:

10.Tape Measure

CRAFTSMAN Tape Measure

Also known as a measuring tape, these flexible rulers can be used to take measurements of size or
distance. At their simplest, they consist of little more than a ribbon of cloth or plastic, marked with
measurements in inches, centimeters, and/or millimeters. You’ll commonly find these minimalist tape
measures used in tailoring and dressmaking.

Alternatively, the self-retracting metal tape measure utilizes a spring-loaded housing that can be clipped
onto a belt. A ubiquitous tool of the construction trades, these tape measures are especially useful for
taking measurements over long distances – sometimes up to 100 feet!

Digital Measuring Tools

1.Angle Gauge

Wixey Digital Angle Gauge Type 2

Faster, easier to use, and more accurate than an analog angle gauge, the digital angle gauge allows you
to instantly find the angle of any surface you attach it to. Equipped with a powerful magnetic base and
automatic calibration controls, these measuring tools are especially useful in determining precise bevel
and miter angles on powered saws.
2.Laser Level

Wixey Digital Angle Gauge Type 2

A self-leveling tool that emits a colored laser beam, the laser level allows for easy visual confirmation of
both horizontal and vertical leveling. Some of the fancier models also include the capability of measuring
the distance from the unit to the end of the laser beam, making them a fast and accurate solution for
job site distance measurements.

3.Micrometer

REXBETI Digital Micrometer

Essential for use in high-precision machining, the micrometer resembles a caliper that screws down
rather than sliding. Digital micrometers produce an instant readout on the distance between their two
caliper heads, sometimes allowing for measurements accurate up to three or four decimal places.

4.Thermometer

Medical Oral Thermometer for Adults

One of the most widely recognized measuring tools, thermometers provide a reading for temperatures,
with digital thermometers providing faster and more reliable results. They are a staple of modern
medicine but also find their way into the culinary arts and environmental studies quite regularly.

Angular measurements

The radian is the derived quantity of angular measurement in the SI system. By definition, it is
dimensionless, though it may be specified as rad to avoid ambiguity. Angles measured in degrees, are
shown with the symbol °. Subdivisions of the degree are minute (symbol ′, 1′ = 1/60°) and second
{symbol ″, 1″ = 1/3600°}.

The accuracy of angular measurement is mainly determined by:

the quality of the graduation,

the stability of the graduation carrier,

the quality of the scanning process,

the quality of the signal processing electronics,

the eccentricity of the graduation to the bearing,

the error of the bearing,

the coupling to the measured shaft.

These factors of influence are comprised of encoder-specific error and application dependent issues. All
individual factors of influence must be considered in order to assess the attainable total accuracy.

A. Encoder-specific error

Surface measurement is a general term which encompasses more specific types of measurements such
as surface shape, surface finish, surface profile roughness (Ra), or in surface area roughness (Sa), surface
texture, and structural characterization.

How is surface finish measured?

Surface finish may be measured in two ways: contact and non-contact methods. Contact methods
involve dragging a measurement stylus across the surface; these instruments are called profilometers.

What is a surface roughness tester called?

A roughness tester is used to quickly and accurately determine the surface texture or surface roughness
of a material. A roughness tester shows the measured roughness depth (Rz) as well as the mean
roughness value (Ra) in micrometers or microns (

How is surface roughness measured?

Roughness can be measured by manual comparison against a "surface roughness comparator" (a sample
of known surface roughness), but more generally a surface profile measurement is made with a
profilometer